The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is Scotland's premier independent marine science organisation generating new knowledge for the benefit of the marine environment and society since 1884.

John Phelan

PhD student

My research will involve building an ecological model to describe the abundances of sea lice around salmon farms. Sea lice have a profound effect on the health of salmon, so accurate modelling could predict times where the fish are at high risk from being infected, which would inform management strategies for fish farms.

I have previously modelled the larval dispersal of a variety of invertebrate species (Pecten maximus, Palinurus elephas, Nephrops norvegicus), examining several biological parameters including the effects of vertical migration and pelagic larval duration. I have experience working with big data sets, a range of GIS packages and statistical software.

Dynamic spatial modelling and forecasting of sea lice abundances

I am building an ecological model to describe the abundance of Lepeophtheirus salmonis and forecast their numbers around Scottish salmon farms.

Sea lice populations are managed by fish farms in a variety of manners. To accurately describe the changes in their numbers several factors must be taken into account. These include abiotic factors such as water temperature, biotic factors such as predation and anthropogenic effects such as lice treatments. All these are important when building a model to forecast lice numbers into the future, which will in turn inform management strategies, to reduce the impact of sea lice on farmed and wild salmonids.

Fieldwork experience

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The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) has been delivering independent marine science since 1884. Based in Oban, 150 staff are working for healthy and sustainably managed seas and oceans through world-class marine research, education and engagement with society.Learn more about us…